A Legacy Forged in Steel: The Enduring Influence of Rai Kuniyuki Rai Kuniyuki (1219-1298) stands as a monumental figure within the annals of Japanese swordsmithing, embodying the zenith of the Bizen tradition—a style characterized by its exceptional purity of steel and meticulous craftsmanship. Born in Kyoto during the Kamakura period, Kuniyuki’s life coincided with a pivotal moment in Japanese history: the decline of centralized impe…